Construction spending in June rose to a 2-1/2 year high as double-digit percentage increases in private residential and nonresidential construction more than offset an ongoing downturn in public construction, according to a new analysis of federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said they expect the disparity between private and public construction is likely to persist and urged policy makers to put more funding into infrastructure projects.“The June spending gains come on top of upward revisions to May and April totals, reinforcing the notion that private construction is now growing consistently,” said Ken Simonson,
The Regional Transportation District Board of Directors has formally approved a proposal by Kiewit Infrastructure Co. to complete the I-225 Light Rail Line to Peoria by November 2015. The line would open in mid-2016 after about six months of testing. With a vote of 14-0 and one member absent, the RTD Board’s decision paves the way for the agency to complete another complete FasTracks rail line. On July 3, RTD staff recommended the proposal to the board after finding that it offered the best value, with a financially sound solution that allows RTD to take advantage of the current market.
Don't be surprised if the first response you get from your insurance company is a denial when you file a claim or ask it to defend a claim against you or your company. Many insurance companies use the “flinch test.” They first deny claims, hoping that the insureds will drop the matter. Don’t let your company get away with that practice. Make certain that you really do not have coverage before dropping the matter. Most Colorado contractors and subcontractors carry comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance. Since their policies are on forms prepared by insurance company-sponsored organizations, CGL insurance policies are
The Mountain West is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, and many employees work in occupations where they are exposed to hot, humid environments. In addition, some use special protective clothing and equipment that interfere with the body’s ability to dissipate heat and effectively maintain a normal body temperature. Heat stress and heat-related illnesses can occur when the human body is exposed to hot temperatures for prolonged periods of time. When employees work in such environments, precautions should be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses. The concern is not merely for comfort. Working in hot environments can cause sickness
Construction employment declined in 162 out of 337 metropolitan areas between June 2011 and June 2012, increased in 127 and stayed stagnant in 48, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that construction employment declined or remained unchanged in most metro areas as the public sector continued to cut back on investments in new construction and infrastructure and economic growth slowed. “The construction sector continues to shrink or stagnate in most metro areas as demand for new construction remains weak in too many places,” said Ken
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s July 2012 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI) shows that, overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is at 51.5, up from the June index of 48.5, and reflects continuing concern over external economic factors and regulatory and political uncertainty. Designed to collect leadership data, the index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $628-billion equipment finance sector.July 2012 Survey Results The overall MCI-EFI is 51.5, up from the June index of 48.5. When asked to assess
Bad drivers can put their employers at risk. Whether an employee is driving a company car or being reimbursed for driving their own vehicle on company business, the employer can be accused of negligent entrustment following a collision. In simple terms, negligent entrustment means an employee or contractor was dispatched to drive without proper regard for his or her qualifications and/or ability to safely operate a vehicle. Because settlements can be large and judgments can include punitive damages for egregious behavior, employers need to take note. Although the driver’s own negligence in causing a collision may be the primary issue,
With a self-reported A/E/C industry repeat-work average of 80-85%, it’s tempting to assume that most firms understand client retention. However, if these past few years have taught us anything, it’s that doing good work is necessary but not sufficient for holding onto clients. The time, energy and focus required to keep a desirable client coming back can be overwhelming. Yet the economics are indisputable. Consider the wasted pursuit costs of landing a new client when that client becomes dissatisfied and goes elsewhere. Depending on the client, your opportunity, travel, proposal and labor costs, the hours you’ve lost can easily run
New construction starts in June slipped 1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $446.1 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Cos. After the elevated activity reported during March and April, which reflected the lift coming from the start of two nuclear power projects, total construction in May and June returned to a level just slightly above the average monthly pace reported during the previous year. June featured a moderate loss of momentum for nonresidential building, after this sector’s improved performance in May. At the same time, residential building in June maintained its gradual upward trend,
Alta Vista Charter School in Lamar has been named the first project in the U.S. to attain the Verified Leader certification by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS). It recognizes AVCS as a healthy, high-performance, green school. Photo courtesy of SLATERPAULL Architects The high-performance design features at AVCS should reduce energy consumption by 54% with significant savings to the school. CHPS is a national organization that optimizes K-12 learning environments and improving student performance and the entire educational experience by building the best possible schools. Similar to LEED, CHPS provides a regional focus for sustainability.“We are thrilled to see
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